Inside The Celtics

After 43 years on the mic, Celtics’ announcer Mike Gorman honored in his final regular season game

Mike Gorman Day included a myriad of tributes, speeches, and reflections. 

Bobby Krivitsky

Apr 25, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics play-by-play commentator on NBC Sports Boston.
Apr 25, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics play-by-play commentator on NBC Sports Boston. / Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
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On Sunday afternoon, the Boston Celtics honored Mike Gorman in his last-ever regular season game – an event loaded with reflection and nostalgia -- in honor of the retirement of one of the most prolific broadcasters in basketball history.

The celebration, deemed Mike Gorman Day, included multiple video tributes, remarks from Celtics co-owner Steve Pagliuca, and a halftime conversation between Gorman and Brian Scalabrine at center court.

The final game of the season marked the conclusion of Gorman’s 43-year career calling Celtics games, the longest run by any announcer in Boston sports history. Though he will still be calling the first round of the playoffs, Sunday served as a ‘senior night’ of sorts, where fans each got Mike Gorman posters, watched video montages during several timeouts, and enjoyed the unveiling of a Mike Gorman Broadcast Table.

In one of the most poignant moments of the afternoon, Pagliuca instructed the TD Garden crowd to say “Got it!” in unison, in an ode to Gorman’s signature call.

The celebration was recognized by the city at large; Boston Mayor Michele Wu proclaimed April 14, 2024, Mike Gorman Day, recognizing the Hall of Fame broadcaster’s “positive contributions, legacy, and service to Boston after 43 years of calling Boston Celtics games,” per a press release from her office.

“Mike Gorman has made an impact across generations of Celtics fans, families, and visitors throughout his 40-plus years as the voice of the Boston Celtics,” Wu said. “His passion, intellect, and ability to make every fan feel special and locked in for the whole game is unmatched.”

Prior to Sunday’s game, Joe Mazzulla reflected on the time he spent with the Celtics Voice on the team plane over the last few years.

“We would have certain conversations,” Mazzulla said. “Just listening to his insight, listening to his wisdom, his humility, his ability to connect with different people.

Even Wizards coach Brian Keefe, a Massachusetts native, made a point to pay his respects to the broadcaster ahead of his pregame presser.

“I just wanted to acknowledge him and what he’s meant to this community; because I’m part of that community,” Keefe said. “I listened to formative years of basketball in the 80s when I grew up here. It’s a great honor for him today. He’s a big historical figure in this city.”

Gorman’s halftime conversation with Scalabrine headlined the day’s events and touched on several topics, including his relationship with the late Tommy Heinson, his introduction to basketball, and his beginnings as a broadcaster.

"I will get misty-eyed if I try to talk about Tom. I think of him every day," Gorman said, drawing a roar from the TD Garden crowd while Heinson’s family sat in attendance.

Gorman closed his halftime conversation with a call to action for the current roster.

“To the team, I just want to say: Go win this thing, will you please? Just go win it.”

Further Reading

After Career Night, Reflective Payton Pritchard Discusses NBA Journey and His Ultimate Pursuit

'Nip That in the Bud': Celtics Address End-of-Season Struggles

Jrue Holiday on Celtics Extension: 'Try to Get More Banners, Get More Rings'

Celtics Embracing Challenge to Go Beyond Most Talented

Jayson Tatum Opens Up About Sacrificing in Celtics' Title Pursuit: 'It's a Process'

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Bobby Krivitsky
BOBBY KRIVITSKY

Bobby Krivitsky's experiences include covering the NBA as a credentialed reporter for Basketball Insiders. He's also a national sports talk host for SportsMap Radio, a network airing on 96 radio stations throughout the country. Additionally, he was a major-market host, update anchor, and producer for IMG Audio, and he worked for Bleacher Report as an NFL and NBA columnist.

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